The Burien Severe Weather Shelter and Day Center is asking the community for donations of clothing, food and financial support as colder and wetter conditions increase demand for services, according to a message shared by shelter organizer Rev. Jenny Partch.

The Day Center, which opened to the public in January 2024, operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An average of 15 guests receive a hot lunch each day, and between 6 and 8 people use the shower facilities, the shelter reported.

Case managers from three local organizations regularly visit the site to assist guests in accessing additional resources.

The shelter also serves as a recognized provider for DESC’s Bloomside Permanent Supportive Housing. During the 2024 lease up, the shelter nominated eight people who were housed in the building. Two additional guests have been housed this year, and one local veteran has been connected to Veterans Affairs services and is expected to move into Bloomside once his benefits are finalized.

Shelter services expanded in 2025 to include responses to extreme heat and smoke events. Staff and volunteers opened the cooling center for 12 daytime activations in July and August and for five overnight periods in August. A donated van allowed outreach teams to distribute water and transport people to the cooling center during the most severe heat.

Most Needed Items

As winter approaches, the shelter reports that key supplies have run low, especially men’s coats, sweatshirts, socks, underwear, sweatpants and gloves. Donations can be dropped off at the Day Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m., using designated entrances at Highline United Methodist Church at 13015 1st Ave S. (map below). No sign up is required.

The shelter also welcomes financial donations to help cover operating costs such as towel laundering, food for lunches, utilities, janitorial supplies and paper goods.

“These past few weeks, the weather has shifted to colder, wetter conditions,” Partch said. “With the Day Center open each week, we have a consistent need for clothing supplies and food items. Our men’s clothing items, sweatshirts and coats are depleted.”

Below is a list of most needed items:

Coats
White/Black crew or tube socks
Sweatshirts/Hoodies
Men’s Boxer Briefs S, M, L (Med is most used)
Sweat Pants (S, M, L)
Women’s Briefs 6-8-10 (S, M)
Men’s Jeans 32, 34, 36 Waist
Men’s T-Shirts (M, L, XL)
Gloves – Heavy Snow Type – M, L, XL

Contributions can also be made through PayPal here or by check to Highline UMC with “shelter” written in the memo line and sent to 13015 1st Ave. S, Burien WA 98168.